Fencepost cover

ABSTRACT

The invention pertains to a fencepost cover. Particularly, the invention pertains to a one piece fencepost cover which includes a mechanism to prevent the upward movement of the fencepost cover relative to a fence post. The one-piece fence post cover is generally dome shaped and includes an aperture for receiving a fence post at the center of the dome. It further includes a locking region to prevent the upward movement of the fencepost cover relative to the fencepost. In one embodiment the locking region is a thinned zone around the perimeter of aperture with is deformed upwardly as the fencepost is pushed through the aperture. In a second embodiment, the perimeter of the aperture includes scallops which engage with the fencepost.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention pertains to a fencepost cover. Particularly, the inventionpertains to a one piece fencepost cover which includes a mechanism toprevent the upward movement of the fencepost cover relative to a fencepost.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

When a fencepost is installed, a hole is in dug in the ground and thefence post is placed in the hole. A cement foundation is then pouredaround the post to keep it in place. As a fence post ages, it tends todeteriorate at ground level. This is caused by an accumulation ofmoisture in the wooden fence post that causes the fence post to rot. Twotechniques could be used to prevent this problem. First, a fence postcover could create a seal between the fence post cover and the fencepost to prevent moisture from entering the space between the fence postcover and the ground. Alternatively, the evaporation of any moisturethat does accumulate between the fence post cover and the ground can beencouraged. Both of these techniques are used to keep the fence postdry. In the past many fencepost covers have been designed to solve thisproblem. Many of these fencepost covers can be expensive, visuallyunappealing, difficult to install or do not prevent moistureaccumulation or allow for the release of moisture between the fence postcover and the ground. Most include at least one connection joint thatcould reduce their sealing capabilities. These designs also do notencourage or allow for evaporation to occur.

Additionally, it can be difficult to keep vegetation from growing aroundthe base of the fencepost. This vegetation is unsightly and can causefurther decay. In order to control the vegetation, often lawn caretools, such as trimmers, are used. If the lawn care tools come incontact with the wooden fence post, the post corners are often damagedand the surface of the post can be sliced or scratched. Since most woodfence posts are pressure treated or have received a protective coatingto fight fungal spores and rot, the damage to the base of the postcreates weakness in any environmental protective measures that weretaken to protect the wood. Furthermore, many fence post designs allowfor the fence post covers to be easily removed. It is possible that thefence post covers may be lost or stolen. Most one-piece fence postcovers do not include any mechanism to ensure that they remain inposition at the bottom of the fence post.

The following disclosure pertains to a one-piece fencepost cover toprotect the base of the wooden fence posts from moisture, vegetationgrowth and lawn care equipment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the invention pertains to a fencepost cover comprising atop surface and an aperture located generally in the center of said topsurface, sized to receive a fencepost. The top portion has a generallyuniform thickness and includes a locking region around the aperture. Thelocking region engages with a fencepost to prevent upward movement ofthe fencepost cover relative to the fence post.

In another aspect of the invention, the locking region is characterizedby the thinning of the material to allow for deformation and thecreation of a friction fit seal when engaged with a fencepost.

In a further aspect of the invention, the top surface slopes generallydownwardly from the aperture to the edge of the top surface to allow fordrainage of water from the top surface.

In another aspect of the invention, the locking region is characterizedby scallops directed inwardly along the perimeter of the aperture forengaging with a fencepost to prevent upward movement of the fencepostcover relative to a fencepost.

In a further aspect of the invention, the scallops are characterized bythe thinning of the material to allow for deformation of said scallopsabout the fencepost.

In yet another aspect of the invention, the fencepost cover is made of agenerally rigid material and the scallops engage with and press intosaid fencepost.

In yet another aspect of the invention, fencepost cover is made of anelastically deformable material.

In yet a further aspect of the invention, the fencepost cover furthercomprises a sidewall integrally connected and extending downwardly fromthe perimeter of the top portion.

In yet a further aspect of the invention, the sidewall extendsdownwardly and radially outward from the top portion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings,wherein:

FIG. 1 depicts a top view of a preferred fencepost cover;

FIG. 2 depicts a cross section of the fencepost cover of FIG. 1 incombination with the post and cement foundation; and

FIG. 3 depicts a top view of an alternative embodiment of the fencepostcover.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 shows the top view of a preferred one piece fencepost cover showngenerally as reference number 2. The fencepost cover includes anaperture 4 located generally in the center thereof and sized to receivea standard or custom sized fencepost. The fencepost cover 2 can be usedwith fenceposts that are secured in a cement foundation in the ground orfenceposts that are secured into the ground directly. The diameter ofthe fencepost cover can be varied to accommodate different fencepostdesigns and securement methods. In a preferred embodiment where thefence post is secured in a cement foundation, the diameter of the fencepost cover is sufficient to hide the cement foundation. The fence postcover diameter can be slightly larger than a standard cement foundationto allow for some variance, for instance if the post is not placed inthe exact center of the cement foundation.

The fencepost cover 2 includes a top portion 28. In the preferredembodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the top surface 28 is generallydome shaped, with the top of the dome located about the fence post. Thisangled surface allows for moisture to roll off of the cover toward theground and away from the fence post. Although this preferred embodimentincludes a dome shaped cover, it can be appreciated that any surfaceangled downward from the fence post toward the ground would suffice. Thefencepost cover 2 generally has a width of w 18, as illustrated in FIG.2.

The fencepost cover 2 may additionally include a sidewall 10. Thesidewall may be vertical, or angled outwardly in the radial direction toallow multiple fencepost covers to be easily and compactly stackedduring shipping and storage. The sidewall 10 is integrally connected tothe top portion 28. The sidewall 10 includes a bottom edge 22 whichcontacts and engages with the ground when the fencepost cover is aplace. FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the fencepost cover 2 inuse. It is positioned over cement foundation 14 which secures fencepost12 vertically in place. The ground is represented by line 20. In thisembodiment, the fencepost cover 2 is positioned such that the bottomedge 22 is on top of the ground 20. In another embodiment, the bottomedge 22 of fencepost cover 2 can be slightly under ground level.

It can also be appreciated that in an alternative embodiment, thefencepost cover would not include a sidewall. In this embodiment the topportion 28 would contact the ground directly.

As shown in FIG. 2, the fencepost cover includes a locking region 24around the perimeter of the aperture 4. The locking region preventsupward migration of the fencepost cover relative to the fence post. Theare several embodiments of the locking region 24 including a thinnedlocking region that additionally provides sealing, a rigid scalloplocking region and a flexible scalloped locking region. Theseembodiments will be described below.

FIG. 1 illustrates the fencepost cover as circular in shape, however itcan be appreciated that the fencepost cover could be any shape or sizeand could be customized to accommodate a client's preferences. In apreferred embodiment, the fencepost cover has an aperture 4 sized for a4 inch by 4 inch fencepost and has a diameter of 10 inches. In anotherpreferred embodiment, the fencepost cover has an aperture 4 sized for a6 inch by 6 inch fence post and has a diameter of 12 inches

In one embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the fencepost cover 2 is made from anelastically deformable material. It comprises a locking region 24located about the perimeter of the aperture 4. The locking region 24includes a thinning of the width “w” 18 of the fencepost cover material.The width of the fencepost cover 2 is decreased from a distance of 0.5-5cm radially from the aperture 4 to the aperture edge 6, such that thesealing region may deform to accommodate the fence post. Duringinstallation, the fencepost cover is pushed onto the top and down thelength of the fencepost, forcing the sealing region 24 to curve slightlyupward. When the fencepost cover is a position at the bottom post thelocking region 24 remains slightly upturned. This acts as a brake orlock to resist any upward forces and to help ensure the cover remains inthe position. In this embodiment, the aperture 4 is sized to be smallerthan the dimensions of the fencepost. Thus once installed, the lockingregion 24 deforms to accommodate the fencepost and creates a frictionfit about the fencepost. This friction fit creates a seal which preventsmoisture from entering the space between the fencepost cover and theground.

In an alternate embodiment, shown in FIG. 3, the locking region 24includes scallops 30 around the perimeter of the aperture 4 for engagingwith the fence post. This design helps to prevent the upward movement ofthe fence post cover 2 relative to the post or maintains the position ofthe fence post cover 2 on the post. The size of the scallops can bevaried to change the degree of engagement with the fence post. Forexample, larger scallops can be used to dig into a wooden fence post andcreate a tight fit between the fence post and the scallops 30 of thefence post cover 2. Alternatively, smaller scallops could be used tocreate a looser engagement with the fence post. In this example, thescallops 30 engage with the post to maintain the position of the fencepost cover; however the non-scalloped portions 32 of the aperture 4perimeter do not contact or engage with the fence post. This embodimentallows for any moisture in the ground or from rain to evaporate throughthe space between the scallops and helps to keep the base of the fencepost as dry as possible to reduce the amount of decay. In a preferredembodiment, the fence post cover is black to absorb heat and helpfacilitate the evaporation of any moisture that may be under the fencepost cover.

The scalloped locking region 24 embodiment may be made of relativelyrigid or elastically deformable material. When made from a rigidmaterial, the aperture 4 is sized such that the scallops will contactand engage with the fence post, digging into the post slightly toprevent movement. Similar to the thinned locking region 24, when madefrom an elastically deformable material, the aperture 4 is sized suchthat the scallops may deform slightly to accommodate the fence post. Thescallops 30 may be formed to be of a smaller width than the rest of thefence post cover. They may also be thinned in a manner similar to thelocking region 24 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.

The top surface 6 of the fence posts cover 2 can be textured or smooth.Possible textures could include but are not limited to a river stone,cobblestone or tweed appearance. As an alternative, the finish could besmooth or have lines or circles for strengthening purposes. The texturedfinish would add to the visual appeal of the product and would alsoprovide increased strength to protect against damage from lawnequipment.

Preferably the fencepost cover is manufactured using injection molding,however vacuum forming or any other suitable method of manufacture couldbe used. The material has sufficient rigidity to protect against lawncare tools. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the material has enoughelastic properties to provide a friction fit seal that can adapt toslight variations in the dimensions of a wooden fencepost. In theembodiment shown in FIG. 3, either a slightly deformable material or arigid material could be used. Materials for manufacturing eitherembodiment could include but are not limited to polyethylene,polypropylene, a combination thereof or any other suitable material. Itcan be appreciated that the cover can be made from new or recycledmaterials. The addition of carbon black to the material provides theblack colour, helps prevent breakdown of the fencepost cover over thelifetime of the fencepost and can help to encourage the evaporation ofany moisture caught between the fence post and the ground.

Installation of the fencepost cover is preferably done after the fenceposts have been placed in the cement foundation and the cement hassolidified. The fencepost 12 is pushed through aperture 4 until thefence post cover is located at the bottom of the fence post. In theembodiment shown in FIG. 1, the sealing region 24 deforms slightly tocreate the friction fit about the post. The sealing region deformsupwardly to prevent upward movement of the fencepost cover relative tothe fence post. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the scallops 30engage with the fence post to prevent upward movement of the fence postcover relative to the fence post. In this embodiment, the scallops candeform to accommodate the fence post or may remain relatively rigid.

In the preferred embodiment, the width of the plastic, shown asdimension w 18, would be approximately 3 mm and the aperture 4 would besized to cooperate with a 4″ by 4″, 5″ by 5″ or 6″ by 6″ fencepost.Although this represents the preferred embodiment, it will beappreciated that any size fence post and a variety of fence post coverthicknesses are possible.

The scope of the claims should not be limited by the preferredembodiments set forth in the examples, but should be given the broadestinterpretation consistent with the description as a whole.

1. A fencepost cover comprising a top surface and an aperture locatedgenerally in the center of said top surface and sized to receive afencepost; said top portion having a generally uniform thickness andincluding a locking region around the aperture, said locking regionengaging with a fencepost to prevent upward movement of the fencepostcover relative to the fence post.
 2. A fencepost cover as claimed inclaim 1 wherein the locking region is characterized by the thinning ofthe material to allow for deformation and the creation of a friction fitseal when engaged with a fencepost.
 3. A fencepost cover as claimed inany one of claims 2 wherein, the top surface slopes generally downwardlyfrom the aperture to the edge of the top surface to allow for drainageof water from the top surface.
 4. A fencepost cover as claimed in claim1 wherein said locking region is characterized by scallops directedinwardly along the perimeter of the aperture for engaging with afencepost to prevent upward movement of the fencepost cover relative toa fencepost.
 5. A fencepost cover as claimed in claim 4 wherein saidscallops are characterized by the thinning of the material to allow fordeformation of said scallops about the fencepost.
 6. A fencepost coveras claimed in claim 4 wherein said fencepost cover is made of agenerally rigid material and said scallops engage with and press intosaid fencepost.
 7. A fencepost cover as claimed in claim 4 wherein saidfencepost cover is made of an elastically deformable material.
 8. Afencepost cover as claimed in claim 5 wherein said fencepost cover ismade of an elastically deformable material.
 9. A fencepost cover asclaimed in claim 1 wherein said fencepost cover further comprises asidewall integrally connected and extending downwardly from theperimeter of the top portion.
 10. A fencepost cover as claimed in claim3 wherein said fencepost cover further comprises a sidewall integrallyconnected and extending downwardly from the perimeter of the topportion.
 11. A fencepost cover as claimed in claim 4 wherein saidfencepost cover further comprises a sidewall integrally connected andextending downwardly from the perimeter of the top portion.
 12. Afencepost cover as claimed in claim 5 wherein said fencepost coverfurther comprises a sidewall integrally connected and extendingdownwardly from the perimeter of the top portion.
 13. A fencepost coveras claimed in claim 6 wherein said fencepost cover further comprises asidewall integrally connected and extending downwardly from theperimeter of the top portion.
 14. A fencepost cover as claimed in claim9 wherein said sidewall extends downwardly and radially outward from thetop portion.